Scattering Stroke MTG Card
2007-10-12 - Number 82
2011-06-17 - Number 60
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Instant |
| Abilities | Clash |
Text of card
Counter target spell. Clash with an opponent. If you win, at the beginning of your next main phase, you may add to your mana pool, where X is that spell's converted mana cost. (Each clashing player reveals the top card of his or her library, then puts that card on the top or bottom. A player wins if his or her card had a higher converted mana cost.)
Cards like Scattering Stroke
Scattering Stroke enters the arena of counterspell cards in MTG with a unique angle. Alongside similar cards like Cancel or Dissolve that also negate spells, Scattering Stroke adds a twist by enabling the Clash mechanic, potentially offering a chance to manipulate the top card of the library. While Cancel is a straightforward three-mana counterspell without additional benefits, Dissolve spices things up a bit by scrying 1 after the counter, providing minor deck manipulation.
Diving deeper into the pool of comparisons, Mana Leak is another often-discussed spell that counters unless its caster pays an additional three mana. While cheaper at two mana and potentially as decisive early in the game, it loses its potency as the game progresses and opponents accumulate more mana. Conversely, as a part of the Lorwyn set, Scattering Stroke provides a more constant threat. Another parallel can be drawn with Cryptic Command, which offers versatility with four different modes, one of which includes countering a spell. However, Cryptic Command’s higher cost and requirement for triple blue mana make it a more resource-intensive option.
Assessing the strengths, Scattering Stroke earns a place amongst its peers by combining the tried-and-true counterspell functionality with the added excitement of the Clash mechanic, creating opportunities for deck manipulation while keeping your opponent’s spells in check.
Cards similar to Scattering Stroke by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Scattering Stroke offers a strategic edge by potentially removing a key spell from the opponent’s arsenal and transforming that denial into an advantage for you. Whenever you counter a spell with Scattering Stroke, you gain a Clue token, which, when sacrificed, allows you to draw a card, thus replenishing your resources and maintaining the upper hand.
Resource Acceleration: The Clue token provided by Scattering Stroke not only plays into the card advantage strategy but also serves as an indirect form of resource acceleration. By expanding your card options, you effectively accelerate your game plan, ensuring that you can progress more swiftly through your deck and closer to your winning conditions.
Instant Speed: Its instant-speed nature gives you the flexibility to respond to threats at the most opportune moment. This allows for more tactical gameplay, enabling you to manage your mana efficiently and make crucial decisions with precision based on the unfolding game state.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Scattering Stroke compels you to exile a blue card from your hand to cast it without paying its mana cost, potentially putting you at a card disadvantage.
Specific Mana Cost: This spell demands a precise combination of three islands and one of any other colored mana, which means it has less flexibility and may not fit well in multicolored decks.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a total casting cost of four mana, Scattering Stroke can be considered costly for its counter spell effect especially when compared to other options available in MTG that require less mana investment.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Scattering Stroke can be a vital addition to control and combo decks, offering a tool for late-game dominance. It fits well in strategies requiring countermeasures against non-creature spells.
Combo Potential: This card excels in decks with a focus on leveraging spell casts, potentially bolstering strategies that revolve around instants and sorceries or spell copying mechanics.
Meta-Relevance: Given the shifting nature of the meta, Scattering Stroke maintains relevance as it can efficiently deal with key spells pivotal for an opponent’s game plan, making it a strategic pick for any collection.
How to beat
Scattering Stroke is a versatile counter card that provides a dual benefit in Magic: The Gathering matches. Not only does it counter any spell, but it also allows a player to Clash, potentially offering an additional advantage. While Scattering Stroke can avert immediate threats and shift game dynamics, overcoming it is not insurmountable.
To outmaneuver Scattering Stroke, a strategic approach is to draw it out with less critical spells, prompting your opponent to use their counter prematurely. Alternatively, deploying spells at a time when the opponent’s mana resources are strained can reduce the likelihood of them having the capability to cast Scattering Stroke effectively. Employing cheap spells that bait a counter or utilizing instant-speed threats that outpace the opponent’s mana availability can safeguard your pivotal spells from being neutralized. Moreover, having spells with uncounterable clauses or abilities that protect your spells can fortify your game plan against Scattering Stroke’s disruptive potential.
Ultimately, a well-timed bait-and-switch tactic or a suite of resilient spells can ensure your key strategies are not hindered by a Scattering Stroke. Understanding and predicting your opponent’s counter timing is essential in negating its impact and pushing your advantage on the battlefield.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Scattering Stroke MTG card by a specific set like Lorwyn and Commander 2011, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.
For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.
Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.
Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Scattering Stroke and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
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Printings
The Scattering Stroke Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2007-10-12 and 2011-06-17. Illustrated by Franz Vohwinkel.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2007-10-12 | Lorwyn | LRW | 82 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Franz Vohwinkel | |
| 2 | 2011-06-17 | Commander 2011 | CMD | 60 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Franz Vohwinkel |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Scattering Stroke has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Scattering Stroke card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2007-10-01 | You can’t add just some of the mana to your mana pool. You either add all the mana to your mana pool or none of it. |
| 2007-10-01 | You decide whether or not to add that much to your mana pool as the delayed triggered ability resolves at the beginning of your next main phase. You don’t decide before then. |